Chimbonda impressed by Keane

3:10pm Saturday 19th July 2008

Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has admitted he is excited by the chance to join Sunderland.

The 29-year-old France international travelled to Wearside this morning for talks with Blacks Cats boss Roy Keane and was impressed with what the Irishman had to say.

Chimbonda said: "I can confirm that I travelled to meet Roy Keane at Sunderland's training ground. I was extremely impressed with what he had to say.

He added: "His honesty and openness really were fantastic and I particularly like the plans he has for Sunderland Football Club. The opportunity excites me and I hope he was impressed with what I had to say.

"Now it is down to the club to sort out the personal terms and I will wait to see what happens."

Chimbonda is one of four Spurs men currently being targeted by Sunderland after they agreed fees with the north London club.

It is understood Steed Malbranque, Younes Kaboul and Teemu Tainio are due in the north-east later today for their own talks.

The Black Cats reached agreement with Spurs on Thursday evening, although their chances of landing the four men appear to rest on Keane's ability to persuade them of his vision for the future.

Kaboul's agent Rudy Raba has already indicated there is little chance of the Morocco-born defender joining Sunderland with Portsmouth among a series of suitors, while Chimbonda is also a target for Everton.

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